Unlocking Opportunities: a complete guide on the USA visa Process:
Unlocking opportunities: a complete guide on the USA visa process for all the candidates who want to or plan to move to the USA for work or study. The United States is one of the largest student attractions around the globe. According to a survey more than one million students have applied for study visas only in 2024. Also Check: How to Get a Study Visa in Canada 2024 | Complete Guideline
Though this number goes up and down and is sensitive to USA immigration policy, political conditions, global economic situation, etc. But the United States is one of the major student attractions. Students want to explore their potential with highly trained teaching faculty of universities working in the States. The entire guide for applying for a study visa is here for your all study visa-related questions.
But before going to the USA on a student visa there are several impending questions.
- What is the ability to get a USA study visa?
- How to apply study visa for the USA?
- Which is the best university in the USA?
- How long the visa process can be?
Join Our WhatsApp Group if You not Joined it Already
UK Student VISA 2024 without IELTS Complete Guideline
How to Get a Work Visa in Italy 2024 | Full Guidance
Age Criteria for Applying for a Study Visa in USA:
Age restriction must depend on the program. But in general, there is no age limit restriction while applying for study in the USA.
Students can apply for different programs according to their interests.
Following are some general options:
- Undergraduate programs
- For graduate programs
- Even for some professional degree course
- For diplomas or non-degree, programs like either in English language or any sort of vocational program.
Educational Criteria for Applying for a USA Study Visa
As mentioned above, there is no age limit to study in the USA but some requirements. Educational requirements vary from program to program and institute to institute. If one is applying for an undergraduate program, he must have completed his or her secondary education. Similarly, a graduate program applicant must have completed his or her bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
Some top-ranked universities to study in USA
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and is well known for its science, engineering, and technological programs.
- Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts is one of the most prestigious universities
- California Institute of technology, in Pasadena, California is also among the top-ranked universities in the USA. It offers different programs in different disciplines.
- Stanford University, located in Stanford California
- University of Chicago is famous for its research and social sciences programs
- Princeton University in Princeton New Jersey has its name in undergraduate programs and devoted faculty.
- Yale University located in Yale Connecticut is one of the older universities and offers different programs to spread excellence.
- Columbia University, situated in New York City offers study programs in law, journalism, and international relations
- the University of Pennsylvania located in Philadelphia is famous for programs in law, medicine, and business
- the University of California Berkeley, spreading the light of knowledge in various disciplines, especially in research.
Step to step guide for applying student or study visa In the USA
Choosing a school: First of all, select an institute, or university in which you are going to seek your educational dreams. Above is a list of top-ranked universities and a brief introduction to their area of expertise. Choose according to your interest. Then see the minimum educational requirement of that particular institute. If you fit in their criterion then go further.
- Applying to selected university: as research of a suitable university is done then go for the following: check admission requirements,
- Gather all application material, such as documents, portfolio, passport, etc.
- Then go for standardized tests: Different type of tests measures different areas of excellence as the SAT or ACT for undergraduate programs and, the GRE or GMAT for graduate programs. In addition to these, there will be an English proficiency test like TOEFL.
- completion of online application: make sure that you have all required documents before the deadline for admission.
- Pay the fee: The fee varies from program to program and institute to institute. Some universities offer low or no-fee assistance for needy students, check carefully if you fit the fee concession benefit.
- Provision of additional materials: Provide supplementary material like portfolios etc. If your university needs it.
- Trace your application: visit the university’s website and track your application status as viewed or not
- Attend interviews or interviews if required: some universities have compulsory interviews before admitting students. If you are called for an interview prepare yourself accordingly.
- Receive admission decision, once your submitted application is reviewed you will receive an admission decision from the university or universities you have applied for.
- On securing admission, your university will provide you Form 1-20, fill this Form 1-20 to
Note: keep in mind the deadlines for admission dates.
After securing an admission
- Receive acceptance form: Before you can start the process of applying for a study visa to the USA, you’ll need to get accepted into a school that’s approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). This could be any type of school, like a university, college, high school, or language school.
- Process of paying SEVIS fee: After securing admission from the SEVP-approved school, the next thing is to handle the SEVIS 1-901 fee. This payment is vital for sustaining the student and exchange visitor information system (SEVIS), which monitors individuals holding F and M visas throughout their stay in the United States.
- Complete DS-160 form: Fill out this online nonimmigrant visa application (Form DS-160) based on the university’s given Form 1-20 by visiting the US department of CEAC (counselor Electronic Application Center) website. You will have to upload a digital photograph.
Applying for a USA visa:
Following are a few simple steps to proceed after have secured a seat in the university of your choice:
- After having Form DS-160 go to CEAC website
- Make an account on this website
- Start a new application and enter the number you have got after completion of Form DS-160,
- Provide your photo
- Fill the form carefully
- Attach SEVIS payment receipt
- Schedule an interview at the nearest USA embassy or consulate
- Attend visa interview and bring documents like passport
- Form DS-160 confirmation page
- Form 1-20 confirmation page
- SEVIS fee payment receipt
- Passport size photos
- Financial documents like bank statements, prove that your financial status can support your academic tenure in the USA.
- bring the receipt of the visa fee with you to the interview.
- Proof of family ties in your native country.
- Wait for visa processing.
After Landing in the USA
You will go through customs routine checking and a small conversational interview.
- Maintain of F1 visa status
- Attend designated institute: A student is bound to attend the same school as mentioned on his Form 1-20.
- Keep full-time enrollment: Attend classes as required by the institute to keep full-time enrollment. Usually, undergraduate programs demand attendance of 12 credit hours per semester while for graduate programs it may be dependent on the university’s will but is normally 9 credit hours per semester.
- Academic progress: if a student fails to keep his academic excellence, he may be issued a probation notice. In worst cases, one’s failure could result in dismissal from the institute.
- Report any change if occurs: if some changes happen to your personal information regarding address, name or marital status report them within 10 days of the change. You must report the changes to the Designated School Official(DSO).
- Work authorization: A student may work on or off campus during his or her stay in the USA but some documentation is required to make it legal. Usually, in-campus work does not need additional authorization. But engaging in work with some off-campus venture a student has to ask permission from the university as well as the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).
- Maintain a Valid passport: make sure your passport remains valid at all times. If it is to expire then renew it through your home country’s embassy.
- 1-20 Form renewal: this form also has an expiry as your passport. Apply for an extension if the expiry date is approaching.
- Maintain health insurance.
- Keep all documents updated.
What is the grace period in USA
After completing your education, a grace period of 90 days is given to you. After the termination of this 90-day deadline, you have to leave the USA. Further, you are not allowed to study during this grace period But you can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) or other institutes for further studies.
Conclusion:
You can apply for a USA study visa at any age for any program of your interest. First secure admission to a university in the USA. Obtain Form 1-20 and on its basis attain FormDS-160. Apply for a study visa by visiting the CEAC (counselor Electronic Application Center) website.
